Safran Awarded €100m Contract to Support UK Military Program

Safran Helicopter Engines, also known as Turbomeca, has been awarded a massive contract with the UK military to support their Airbus helicopters by the hour. Support by the hour (SBH) provides a fixed cost per engine per flight hour. Units can be completely overhauled and exchanges are sent at no additional cost. It is an incredibly effective budgeting tool for consumers and in this case the UK military, as no unexpected costs will arise. The Safran helicopter engine contract is specific to the Arrius 2B2Plus and Arriel 2E engines on the military’s H135 and H145 Airbus helicopters.

Around 25% of Turbomeca’s customers worldwide have chosen an SBH contract. This speaks to the quality and service of Safran Helicopter Engines and turbines. Helicopter parts and support can be extremely expensive, especially when supporting an entire fleet. In 2014 Chinese company Government Flying Services renewed their SBH contract with Safran. This contract covered their Arriel and Makila engine fleet based in Hong Kong. The renewal encouraged State Grid General Aviation Company to enter an SBH contract as well. Signing China’s largest helicopter operator under the SBH program was a huge success for Safran Helicopter Engines.

French company Safran Helicopter Engines has been around since the 1930’s manufacturing gas powered turboshaft engines for helicopters and gas turbine engines for aircraft and missiles. They also make turbines for land and marine applications. The most successful and notable engine by Safran is the CFM56 which was jointly developed with General Electric. The CFM56 is the most reliable and bestselling engine to power single-aisle commercial jets. More than 30,000 CFM engines have been delivered to customers worldwide and the partnership has been extended to 2040.

Aviation Sourcing Solutions has a dedicated and expansive array of helicopter parts—serving customers as a one-stop shop and primary destination for product sourcing. ASAP will ensure that your needs are addressed in the most expeditious and transparent manner, all the while offering cost-effective component solutions. If you are interested in a quote, please contact our friendly sales staff at  sales@aviationsourcingsolutions.com or call 1-714-705-4780